As destination weddings become more and more popular, couples are constantly looking for that extra something to set their wedding apart from the rest. Check out our list of top ten wedding destinations for unique settings and ideas on where to tie the knot.
Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
Glacial peaks, turquoise waters and abundant flora and fauna make Banff National Park the perfect location for a wedding. Home to the majestic Lake Louise and the charming village of Banff, this destination is great for couples who seek a serene celebration, evocative of surrounding nature and beauty. If a little adventure seems fitting, then tying the knot while white-water rafting or mushing with sled dogs is always an option.
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St Lucia
St Lucia is one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful destinations, and consequently, is the perfect backdrop for a wedding abroad. Crystal blue waters and the rugged Pitons set the stage for an exotic and serene ceremony. Couples tend to prefer beachside exchanges at sunset, however renting boats and villas are also popular for wedding celebrations. For those feeling really adventurous, some couples have even been wedded underwater.
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Tuscany, Italy
Already branded as a romantic hotspot, Tuscany is a region in Italy that offers a wide variety of breathtaking venues, perfect for exchanging vows. The hardest part is deciding which Tuscan landscape will serve as the flawless backdrop for those everlasting nuptials. Couples and their guests may congregate in the olive groves and vineyards of the Chianti countryside, the cobblestone squares of Florence and the medieval castles of Siena. Wherever it is, great food and wine are always a given.
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Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town offers a variety of settings for unique weddings under the temperate South African climate. Some prefer barefoot by the beach, others want the tranquil nature found at the famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, and many prefer to be hidden away in the vineyards of Stellenbosch. Couples and their families will find plenty of pre- and post-wedding activities like hiking the infamous Table Mountain, seeing the penguins at Boulders Beach, scuba diving with great whites or just strolling the lively city streets.
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Mt Cook National Park, New Zealand
Weddings are about new beginnings, and what better way to celebrate the union of two people than atop an untouched glacier, accessible only by helicopter? Mt Cook National Park has become an exciting place for couples to declare their love thanks to its pristine glacial mountains. Couples can fly to Richardson glacier for the ceremony or take a boat to the Tasman Glacier and recite their vows on a floating iceberg. Either way, the wedding stories are sure to be priceless.
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New York, United States
New York weddings aren’t just for the movies anymore. Boasting some of the most iconic and romantic structures, more and more places in New York are becoming hotspots for couples to say “I do”. The history and splendor of the New York Library has turned it into a fashionable place for couples to hold their ceremony. Central Park is another spot known for its scenic beauty against the backdrop of the city. For couples looking for a bit more kitsch, every Valentine’s Day the Empire State Building holds wedding ceremonies on the 80th floor.
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Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Cabo San Lucas has exploded as a wedding destination for young couples, and with good reason. As beach getaways become more and more popular for weddings, Cabo San Lucas continues to deliver endless entertainment, bustling nightlife and undisturbed landscapes. Since beach resorts are a major chunk of the area, the options to create perfect wedding are endless, and the resorts have experts that are always available. Plus when not at the wedding, families and guests can take advantage of snorkeling, fishing, kayaking and more.
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Jaipur, India
Jaipur offers the royal treatment when it comes to weddings- Indian style. Home to the most luxurious resorts of the Indian desert, couples marrying in Jaipur relive the majesty of an era gone by in some of India’s most ostentatious palaces. Couples get the chance to experience a royal Indian wedding as if it were their own culture, complete with authentic garb and processions. For things to do before and after the wedding, Jaipur is packed with history, shopping and traditional Indian entertainment.
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London, England
For destination weddings, it’s all about the setting. For couples looking to marry in England, London has some of the world’s most unique wedding locations. Couples can exchange vows overlooking the cityscape by booking pods on the London Eye or climbing the Tower Bridge, while others can relive the history of World War II aboard the HMS Belfast. For a more playful wedding scene, the ZSL London Zoo has wedding suites with 360 degree views of the zoo.
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Nadi, Fiji
More than just a tropical oasis, Nadi is becoming a huge destination for couples looking to tie the knot. While Nadi is made up of luxury resorts and exotic beaches, it also has strong roots to the native Fijian culture. For couples wanting the perfect seaside ceremony, nothing says romance like vibrant sunsets, azure waters or white sand beaches. When not partaking in the ceremony, couples and their families can take advantage of Fiji’s unlimited ocean adventure.
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(Images: Peverus / D G Brown / Monika Szyma / maticulous)
If you’re looking for some more inspiration for your next romantic break, take a look at our 100 Romantic Places to Stay in Europe ideas for 2011.
